"Nothing is more precious and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a many faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature lovers alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans."

~ President Richard Nixon

(Statement upon signing the Endangered Species Act, December 28, 1973)

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As the principal federal partner for administering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Mountain-Prairie Region, we take the lead in recovering and conserving our Region's imperiled species by fostering partnerships, employing scientific excellence, and developing a workforce of conservation leaders. As we work in partnership with others, our two major goals are to:

Protect endangered and threatened species and pursue their recovery.

Conserve candidate species and species-at-risk so that listing under the ESA is not necessary.

Our nation is home to an incredible diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems, which contribute to human health, economic prosperity, and happiness. However, over the past 300 years, our social and biological landscape has dramatically changed. Many native plants and animals have become extinct, and many more of our natural communities and the species they sustain are threatened or under stress.

In 1973, Congress passed the ESA to address these alarming trends in the loss of native species and their habitats and to better safeguard, for the benefit of all citizens, the Nation's heritage in fish, wildlife, and plants. This significant legislation reflects the deep respect and appreciation that Americans have for our natural resources, as well as an understanding that all life is linked to a healthy environment.